All Things Entertainment

Main menu

Interview with Zoey Harley

Interview with Zoey Harley of, Zoey Harley Photography. A young photographer based in Albuquerque New Mexico who specializes in Native American Powwow Photography.

Q) When did you start taking pictures?

A) I posted my first photo 27 May 2012. My first camera was a small point and shoot digital camera. Most of my photos on Instagram were taken on a Nikon D7100.

Q) What camera are you currently using?

A) I just upgraded to a Nikon D500. I am learning to shoot in manual mode. I still have a lot to learn.

Q) And for all the tech fans, what lens are you using?

A) I primarily use the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 for distance and the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm1:1.8G for close-ups. I have a long wish list for lenses.

Q) Do you use Photoshop or Lightroom or both?

A) Neither. I use IPad apps for editing.

Q) Do you specialize in Native American culture?

A) I photograph events I attend with my family and of my travels. I have several family members that dance and therefore I end up photographing a lot of Native American Dancers.

Q) Are you Native American?

A) I am Dine’ (Navajo)

Q) I know you take pictures but are you documenting on video your travels?

A) I only send Snapchat videos to my family. I have yet to try any other type of videography.

Q) You have your own style, did it come naturally or was it formed?

A) I primarily take candid photos of people and I try to put all the focus on one individual at a time. I do not like any interference from background noise and therefore I tend to edit out the noise. I like both color and BNW, but most of the people I photograph are very colorful; so my photos end up very colorful. I am always looking to improve my photos and I have seen a progression over time

Q) Have you been approached to have your images in/on a calendar or cards?

A) I have been approached several times but I have not taken up any offers. My full time employment takes up most of my time and I just cannot dedicate the time needed to commercialize my photos.

Q) We all know the tragedy with the pipeline, were you able to go there capture with you eye of the camera?

A) I desperately wanted to go to ND to support the movement, but sadly my work kept me away. I provided support by using Instagram and Facebook to spread the news that mainstream media was not reporting.

Q) Your thoughts on Trump regarding the pipeline and the future of America?

A) I have nothing but negative thoughts about Trump 😤😖😣. My people are resilient and we shall survive his stay in the White House (hopefully a short stay).

Q) Is there a Powwow season or is it all year around?

A) Year round: indoor in the winter and outdoors in good weather. I prefer to attend outdoor powwows.

Q) Where has your travels taken you?

A) I travel mostly to Europe:

Austria

Belgium

Czech Republic

Denmark

France

Germany

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Liechtenstein

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Norway

Portugal

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

United Kingdom (UK)

Vatican City (Holy See)

Outside of Europe:

Australia

Canada

Mexico

Peru

Q) Where are you going this year?

A) So far this year, I have traveled to Belgium, France, and Spain. Upcoming is Italy, Australia, and Singapore.

Q) Any town, person you want to meet and or photograph?

A) I love to travel. On my wish list is to photograph indigenous people in India, China, New Zealand, South America, and Africa.

Q) Do you just show up and shoot?

A) Yes.

Q) Is this your full-time job?

A) No.

Q) Powwows are usually a two day event or longer, do you stay the whole time?

A) It depends on my availability and the number of family members present. I tend to stay longer if family members are participating.

Q) Another tech question, do you shoot RAW?.

A) I eventually plan to switch to RAW. I am currently not set up to process RAW photos.

Q) What does the future hold for Zoey Harley photography?

A) Eventually, I will dedicate more time to photography when I retire from my full time employment.